A Roadmap to Healing
“Why won’t my child’s eczema go away?” I’ve asked myself this countless times. I would look at my children’s skin and feel an overwhelming wave of helplessness. I tried every cream, followed every piece of advice, yet nothing seemed to work. I felt so lost. The frustration, exhaustion, and guilt were consuming. But today, we’re going to change that.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the real reasons your child’s eczema isn’t healing and give you a practical roadmap to start seeing real results.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
My Eczema-Free Promise to My Baby
One moment etched into my memory is changing my baby’s diaper. Her tiny legs, red, dry, and inflamed, seemed to scream in discomfort. I applied yet another layer of moisturizer, hoping this time it might ease her pain.
But by the time I finished diapering her (a process that included layers of cloth diapers to prevent irritation), her skin looked as if I’d never moisturized it. I felt crushed.
Holding her little feet, a mix of frustration and determination washed over me. I was doing everything—elimination diets, exclusive nursing, switching lotions—and still, nothing worked. Yet, I promised her we’d figure it out.
What I didn’t fully understand then was this: healing eczema isn’t just about finding the right cream. It’s about understanding the connection between the skin, the gut, and the environment.
“Holding my baby’s little feet, a mix of frustration and determination washed over me. I was doing everything—elimination diets, exclusive nursing, switching lotions—and still, nothing worked. Yet, I promised her we’d figure it out.” -Andra McHugh
Why Your Child’s Eczema Isn’t Healing
Eczema is complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are three common reasons why your child’s eczema might not be healing.
1. Misdiagnosing Triggers
Eczema isn’t caused by a single factor. It’s not just a food allergy or a reaction to detergent—it’s a combination of triggers. For instance, while switching to hypoallergenic laundry detergent might help, it won’t solve the root problem if other environmental and dietary factors aren’t addressed.
The body often reacts to long-term exposure to irritants, like conventional cleaning products or certain foods, weakening its ability to manage new triggers.
2. Overusing Conventional Products
Many products marketed for eczema can do more harm than good. Steroid creams and petroleum-based moisturizers, for example, can make the skin dependent on them without addressing the root cause.
When you stop using steroids, your child’s skin can go through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), where suppressed symptoms return with greater intensity. This creates a vicious cycle of dependence on these products.
Healing the skin requires nourishing it to build stronger, healthier cells—not just masking symptoms.
3. Overlooking Gut Health
The gut and skin are deeply connected. If your child’s gut isn’t thriving, their skin won’t thrive either. Factors like antibiotics, limited diets, and gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) contribute to systemic inflammation, which shows up as eczema.
Elimination diets can sometimes make the problem worse by depriving the gut microbiome of the diversity it needs to thrive. Instead of focusing solely on avoiding allergens, it’s essential to nourish and rebuild the gut.
What Actually Works? A Roadmap to Healing
The same steps that transformed my baby’s skin are simple enough for you to start today. Here’s what to focus on:
1. Heal from the Inside Out: Nutrition
Eczema starts in the gut, so healing begins with food. Focus on:
- Nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Eliminating inflammatory triggers: Temporarily avoid dairy, gluten, sugar, eggs, and highly processed foods.
These changes don’t have to be forever. Once your child’s gut heals, you can slowly reintroduce some foods, like sourdough or einkorn flour, under guidance.
2. Switch to Natural Skincare
What you put on your child’s skin matters. Choose products that are free from:
- Fragrances
- Petroleum-based ingredients
- Harsh chemicals
Instead, opt for simple, soothing ingredients that nourish the skin without triggering inflammation. Be mindful of common natural allergens like chamomile (related to ragweed) or shea butter (from nuts).
3. Create a Healing Environment
Eczema is affected by more than just food and skincare. Your child’s surroundings play a significant role:
- Bedding and clothing: Use 100% cotton and avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Air quality: Consider air purifiers and ensure ducts are clean.
- Household products: Swap conventional cleaners and detergents for natural alternatives.
Pay attention to potential triggers like mold, VOCs (off-gassing from new furniture or paint), and electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
The Power of Commitment
Healing eczema isn’t an overnight process. It takes time, persistence, and a willingness to look at every aspect of your child’s life through the lens of healing.
I remember when we moved into a newly renovated home, and my daughter’s eczema flared up within a week. Despite all the healing work we’d done, the environmental triggers in that house were too much for her system.
Once we moved out, her skin healed quickly. This experience reinforced how vital it is to create a healing environment.
Looking for More Eczema Relief?
If you’re asking, “Why won’t my child’s eczema go away?” know this: you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Eczema is a complex condition, but with the right steps, healing is possible.
Start with small changes—improving nutrition, switching to natural skincare, and addressing environmental factors. Each step you take brings you closer to seeing your child’s skin, comfort, and happiness improve.
Here are some more natural eczema articles you might be interested in; Understanding Eczema Food Triggers, Why is My Child’s Eczema Getting Worse? and Eczema-Friendly School Lunches: Simple, Nutritious, and Healing.
FAQ
Why isn’t my child’s eczema improving despite using treatments?
Eczema can be complex, with triggers ranging from environmental factors to diet and stress. It’s crucial to address the root cause, not just manage symptoms. Many treatments only address surface-level symptoms, but long-term healing requires a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle changes, and a supportive skincare routine.
What role does diet play in healing eczema?
Diet is a major factor in eczema management. Certain foods can trigger inflammation, worsen skin conditions, and impact the gut microbiome, which is closely linked to skin health. Focus on nourishing, whole foods that support gut health, avoid inflammatory foods, and follow proper food combining to support digestion.
